City grapples with block grant allocation

The Clarkston City Council last week conducted their annual public hearing for suggestions on how to spend an estimated $8,000 in federal community development block grants for 2005.
Provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, CDBG funds are designed for ‘low- to moderate-income? areas, with allowances to help senior citizens and the disabled.
Because the City of the Village of Clarkston has no specific neighborhoods in the ‘low- to moderate-income? range, City Manager Art Pappas said the annual evaluation process is a challenge.
Half of the grant money may be allocated to ‘public service? activities, and the city anticipates giving $2,000 to Meals on Wheels and $2,000 to Clarkston Area Youth Assistance. With no public testimony at the public hearing, Pappas said he is researching donating funds for new equipment at the Independence Township senior citizens center.
The council tabled the matter Nov. 8.